Dry mount apparatus

ABSTRACT

A simple and effective device for the dry mounting of differentsize prints or photographs on support boards. A heated platen or relatively large area and a heat-absorbing roller thermally isolated from the platen are supported on a frame for movement across the surface of a photograph being mounted. The platen is effective to apply uniform heat and pressure while melting the adhesive resin of a dry mount tissue and pressing the melted resin into intimate contact with the surfaces being bonded; the roller being operative to maintain all surfaces in firm contact while removing heat therefrom to effect a rigid and strong bond.

nited States Patent Inventor Paul Goldstein, deceased late of Belmont, Mass. Phyllis Goldstein Klrschner, executrix Appl. No. 863,761

Filed Get. 2, 1969 Patented Nov. 16, 1971 Assignee The Rolls-Mount Joint Venture Boston, Mass.

DRY MOUNT APPARATUS 3 Claims, 3 Drawing Figs.

11.8. 1 219/243, 156/579 int. (I 1105b 1/00 Field ofSearch 219/216, 227, 243, 244; 100/93 P, 93 RP; 156/579, 580; 38/18, 74

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 7 1,331,101 2/1920 l-loitz man 219/244 X 2,152,502 3/1939 Schmidt et a1. 38/76 X 2,164,085 6/1939 Rossen 38/76 2,522,247 9/1950 Asta 38/76 2,679,572 5/1954 Workman. 219/469 2,709,742 5/1955 Perry 219/244 X 3,291,466 12/1966 Aser et a1 219/244 X 3,401,439 9/1968 Staats et al 219/244 X Primary Examiner-C. L. Albritton Anorney.1oseph Weingarten ABSTRACT: A simple and effective device for the dry mounting of different-size prints or photographs on support boards. A heated platen or relatively large area and a heat-absorbing roller thermally isolated from the platen are supported on a frame for movement across the surface of a photograph being mounted. The platen is effective to apply uniform heat and pressure while melting the adhesive resin of a dry mount tissue and pressing the melted resin into intimate contact with the surfaces being bonded; the roller being operative to maintain all surfaces in firm contact while removing heat therefrom to effect a rigid and strong bond.

PAIENTEDNU 1 3. 62 1.195

sum 1 UF 2 l 0 4a [5 I I 22 54 '2 1 I 37 2 I0 I --28 i Q L "26 L /1 1 7 FIG. 2

INVENTOR PAUL GOLDSTEIN,DECEASED BY PHYLLIS GOLDSTEIN,EXECUTRIX PAIENIEW 16 ml 3.621.195

SHEET 2 BF 2 FIG. 3

b} INVENTOR PAUL GOLDSTEIN,DECEASED BY PHY Ll GOLDSTEIN,EXECUTRIX I1 mn W W ATTORNE DRY MOUNT APPARATUS FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates in general to the mounting of photographs or other prints or pictures, and more particularly to a novel dry mounting device which is relatively small and inexpensive yet extremely effective in operation for prints of various size.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Photographs are often mounted on matte boards by a dry mount technique which permits uniform and strong bond of the entire surface to the surface of the support. Such dry mounting is preferred over the use of liquid adhesives since puckering or wrinkling of the surface of the photograph which usually occurs with liquid glue is eliminated. Moreover, the peeling and tearing of the edges of a mounted photograph, which can easily result when mounting is accomplished by means of liquid glue, is avoided by the dry mounting technique wherein the edges are uniformly adhered to the mounting board. According to the dry mount technique, a dry mount tissue composed of an oversize sheet of thin paper coated on both sides with a thermoplastic resin such as shellac is first tacked to the rear face of the photograph and trimmed to exactly the dimensions ofthe photograph.

The photograph and the attached mount tissue are then placed on the matte board on which the photograph is to be displayed. Heat and moderate pressure are applied to the face of the photograph sufficient to melt the resin on both sides of the underlying tissue, the resin upon cooling providing a uniform and long-lasting bond between the photograph and mounting board. In carrying out the process, the initial tacking of the dry mount tissue is usually accomplished with a small heated iron. The excess tissue which extends beyond the periphery of the photograph is ordinarily trimmed to the edges with a pair of scissors, and the photograph is hand positioned in the desired place on the support board. The support board with the photograph in proper position thereon is carefully inserted in a dry mount press which generally consists of a pair of large flat plates with pressure means for bringing the plates together to bear upon the support board and photograph. At least one of the mounting press plates contains heating elements effective to raise its temperature sufficient to melt the dry mount tissue resin evenly over the entire surface of the photograph and thereby bond the entire photographic surface to the mounting board.

Dry mount presses are generally quite expensive and can be rather large especially if the press is to accommodate largesize photographs. The cost and size of such presses has generally limited their use to commercial photofinishing establishments. An individual desiring to dry mount a photograph without the use of 'the expensive mounting presses described hereinabove must resort to rather crude means such as employing a household flat-iron to dry mount the photograph. Since a flat-iron is generally of smaller area than the print being mounted, and the temperature control of the iron is often not sufficiently precise for the purpose, photographs mounted in this manner are often scorched or mounted with an uneven or wrinkled finish. Photographs mounted in this makeshift manner often tear or peel along the edges since improper bonding often occurs around the periphery thereof, and frequently photographs shift from the desired mounting position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, a universal dry mounting device is provided which is simple and inexpensive and yet which provides results of a quality achieved heretofore only by use of complex and expensive mounting presses. A heated platen of relatively large area in juxtaposition with heat absorbing means are arranged upon a carrier such that heat and pressure may be evenly applied over a large area of a photograph by means of the platen while the heat-absorbing means uniformly withdraws heat from the previously heated photographic surface to achieve uniform and secure attachment. The platen is supported on a frame having a handle suitable for moving the platen across a photograph while the heat-absorbing means also mounted on the frame is preferably in the form of a roller coextensive in length with the platen and mounted in close proximity thereto. The roller is thermally insulated from the platen and is mounted in relation to the platen such that movement of the device across a mounting surface is accomplished with uniform pressure applied to both the platen and roller. The portions of the mounting device which confront and contact the photograph are constructed in a smooth and highly finished manner to prevent damage to the photograph as the device is drawn over its surface. Suitable temperature control means can be provided to adjust the operating temperature of the platen.

Inoperation, with the platen heated to the requisite temperature, and with a photograph, to which a dry mount tissue has been tacked and suitably trimmed in position on the matte board, the device is drawn or moved over the surface, platen first and roller last, to apply pressure across the entire surface of the photograph and effect a strong and uniform bond. The heat and pressure applied via the platen uniformly melts the resin of the dry mount tissue and urges the melted resin in contact with the surfaces to be bonded, while the heat absorbing roller is operative to maintain the bonding surfaces in intimate contact while removing heat therefrom to insure proper adhesion and bond after the device is withdrawn.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be more fully understood from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. I is a perspective View of a dry mounting device embodying the invention shown in use in the mounting of a photograph; J I

FIG. 2 is an elevation view, partly in section, of the device of FIG. 1, showing the manner in which a bond is effected; and

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the dry mount device of FIGS. 1 and 2.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawing, platen I0 is pivotally supported on a frame 12 by means of a machine screw 16 at each side of the platen. A heat insulating bushing or grommet (not shown) may be inserted between machine screw 16 and frame 12 to thermally isolate the platen from the frame. The platen is also supported within the frame by one screw 20 on each side of the frame, each slidably passing through a respective slot 22. The platen I0 is thus free to pivot about the axis of screws 16, an amount permitted by the length of slot 22. The frame and platen may also be thermally isolated by bushings (not shown) surrounding each screw 20.

A heat-absorbing roller 24 is mounted on frame I0 rearwardly of the platen and is secured by a pair of bolts 26, each surrounded by heat-insulating bushings 28 on opposite sides of the frame, to be described in greater detail below. A handle 30 secured to an angular upright portion" 15 of the frame by machine screws 31 provides means' for gripping and operating the device. The handle is comprised of any suitable material of low thermal conductivity, such as wood or plastic. It will be noted that the pivotal mounting of platen 10 allows the platen to remain flat while roller 24 is lifted slightly from the surface of the work, and that the working face of the platen and the lower edge of the roller define a plane when in contact with a planar surface as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The axes of screws 16 and roller 24 define a plane parallel to the planar work surface. Roller 24 may include a thin flexible protective covering 54 of rubber or similar material surrounding heat-absorbent core 56. The core 56 may be made of metal, and aluminum has been found to perform well.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the means for thermally isolating the heated platen and the heat absorbing roller is illustrated in detail. As described above, roller 24 is secured to frame 12 by bolts 26. Each bolt (one end being illustrated in section) is surrounded by a bushing 28 of low thermal conductivity, which extends into the mating opening in frame 12 and retains an additional thermally insulating bushing 58, thus providing a bearing surface upon which roller 24 may rotate. ln operating the present dry mounting device, it is only necessary to grip the handle 30 and apply a downward and forward pressure to move platen l first and roller 24 thereafter across the face of the print. As the thermoplastic resin on the dry mount tissue 36 is melted by the heat from the platen, the print is pressed into uniform and intimate engagement with matte board 38 by roller 24, which is also operative to absorb heat from the print and support board. As the roller 24 passes a given area, the bond is complete and cool, thus preventing separation or wrinkling. Where photographs having dimensions larger than the span of the platen and roller are being mounted, several overlapping passes of the device will serve to bond the entire surface to the matte.

With reference to FIG. 1, a photograph 32 is shown with an edge 34' turned back to expose the dry mount tissue 36 which has been tacked and then trimmed to the dimensions of the photograph. The photograph 32 and the attached tissue 36 have been positioned on matte board 38 in preparation for dry mounting, and a protective oversize sheet of paper 37 is shown over the photograph.

An electrical cord 40 shown extending from handle 30 provides for customary electrical heating elements (not shown) contained within the platen. The capacity of the heating elements is such that and operating temperature of between 200 and 275 F. will be attained. A pilot light 42 is arranged on frame 12 in convenient position to indicate when lighted that power is on. Wires 41 connect pilot light 42 to the line cord, and wires 43 connect the power cord to the heating elements within platen 10. It is obvious that control devices such as temperature regulators may be included in the heating system as desired.

As seen more clearly in FIG. 2, the edges 44 of platen are smooth and rounded to facilitate the passage of the device over the print, while the protective paper sheet 37 and the thin rubber sleeve cushion 54 in the roller prevents damage to the photograph surface. Flat spring 48, shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, attached to frame 12 by rivets 50, serves to bias the platen 10 away from the handle. As noted above, the platen 10 is free to rotate in the directions of arrows 52, although constrained by ends of slot 22. Thus, as the device is passed across the face of the print, the downward force applied by the user to the handle 30 is transformed into maximum pressure at the left-hand end of platen 10, as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 2, and at the contact edge of roller 24. Spring 48 retains a lesser pressure between the remainder of the contact face of platen l0 and the work surface, while permitting ample heat transfer to the print-tissue-matte combination.

The invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described as various modifications and alternative implementations will now occur to those versed in the art.

lclaim:

1. Apparatus for mounting photographs comprising, in combination:

a frame;

a platen formed with a flat, smooth, and generally rectangular lower surface of relatively large area having leading and lagging edges;

means for attaching said platen to said frame;

means for heating said platen to a predetermined temperature;

a cylindrical cooling roller of heat-absorbent material attached to said frame rearward of said lagging edge and arranged for rotation about an axis parallel to said platen leading edge;

a handle attached to said frame pen'nitting said lower surface of said platen and said cooling roller to be pressed manually into substantially coplanar firm contact with a photograph lying flat for attachment by a thermal dry mount medium to a planar support board;

said handle further permitting said frame to be moved manually across said photograph while pressed as aforesaid, with said cooling roller following said heated platen for effecting a thermal bond of said photograph to said support board by first heating and thereafter cooling said photograph, said dry mount medium and said support board;

wherein said means for attaching said platen to said frame includes a hinge arranged to permit pivotal movement of said platen about an axis closely adjacent and parallel to said leading edge.

2. Apparatus for mounting photographs in accordance with claim 1, including:

means for thermally insulating said cooling roller from said frame to minimize the conduction of heat from said platen to said cooling roller; and

said cooling roller being formed with a cylindrical heat-absorbent core covered by a relatively thin cylindrical flexible protective outer cushion.

3. Apparatus for mounting photographs in accordance with claim 2 and including:

means for biasing said platen for said pivotal movement outwardly of said frame; and

means for constraining said pivotal movement of said platen both inwardly and outwardly ofsaid frame. 

1. Apparatus for mounting photographs comprising, in combination: a frame; a platen formed with a flat, smooth, and generally rectangular lower surface of relatively large area having leading and lagging edges; means for attaching said platen to said frame; means for heating said platen to a predetermined temperature; a cylindrical cooling roller of heat-absorbent material attached to said frame rearward of said lagging edge and arranged for rotation about an axis parallel to said platen leading edge; a handle attached to said frame permitting said lower surface of said platen and said cooling roller to be pressed manually into substantially coplanar firm contact with a photograph lying flat for attachment by a thermal dry mount medium to a planar support board; said handle further permitting said frame to be moved manually across said photograph while pressed as aforesaid, with said cooling roller following said heated platen for effecting a thermal bond of said photograph to said support board by first heating and thereafter cooling said photograph, said dry mount medium and said support board; wherein said means for attaching said platen to said frame includes a hinge arranged to permit pivotal movement of said platen about an axis closely adjacent and parallel to said leading edge.
 2. Apparatus for mounting photographs in accordance with claim 1, including: means for thermally insulating said cooling roller from said frame to minimize the conduction of heat from said platen to said cooling roller; and said cooling roller being formed with a cylindrical heat-absorbent core covered by a relatively thin cylindrical flexible protective outer cushion.
 3. Apparatus for mounting photographs in accordance with claim 2 and including: means for biasing said platen for said pivotal movement outwardly of said frame; and means for constraining said pivotal movement of said platen both inwardly and outwardly of said frame. 